It would also make him the sixth central midfielder to sign on at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

Both David Moyes and Louis van Gaal identified the area as a priority upon taking the reins, but neither of their signings have fared particularly well.

Moyes overpaid for Marouane Fellaini on a desperate Transfer Deadline Day who, as his poor display in Wales' 3-1 win over Belgium at Euro 2016 proved, just simply can't cut it at this level.

Meet the 55 kids Jose Mourinho claims to have 'promoted'

JOSE MOURINHO claimed in his first Manchester United conference that he had promoted 49 players from youth academies, before later providing a list of 55 - adding six signings that were under 21 when he bought them.

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Michael Woods (Chelsea) - two games under Mourinho

However his siege mentality may appeal to Jose Mourinho, who is known to be an admirer of the Dark Arts.

One Moyes' chief targets Ander Herrera was then signed by Van Gaal, but used sparingly during the Dutchman's two seasons at the club despite being a firm fan favourite.

Daley Blind emerged as an important player under the ex-Bayern Munich boss after signing from Ajax, but could leave the club if speculation that Mourinho isn't a fan rings true.

Van Gaal seemed to have finally solved United's midfield conundrum a year ago when he raided Bayern for Bastian Schweinsteiger and splashed £24m on Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin.

It speaks volumes that Michael Carrick remains a vital asset despite the ex-Tottenham midfielder approaching the twilight years of his career.

Pogba could have been the solution to their midfield problems had Ferguson been able to prevent him leaving four years ago, and Mourinho's attempts to rectify the Scot's mistake could lead to several departures this summer.